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Philosophy
The Sokal Science Prank
A physics professor set out to embarrass left-wing attackers of scientific inquiry.
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave Explained
The ancient Greek philosopher Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is one of the most read pieces of Western writing in history. The story of the prisoners trapped in a cave and their escape to the sunlight (knowledge) is from Plato’s masterwork, The Republic.
What Is Results-Based Intelligence?
Read on to learn how the origins of life and the human species can be seen through a different lens than either creationism or evolutionary biology.
How Do You Find True Happiness?
Though identifying what troubles you make for yourself and how you build up a sense of self, one can overcome their illusions and find out what happiness is really about.
Does Belief in God Make Scientific Sense?
Is belief in God compatible with science? History's greatest scientists say, Yes!
Eudaimonia, Ancient Female Teachers and Positive Psychology
Sound philosophy related to 'eudaimonia' (wellbeing) has been the focus of theorizing and practical applications since Antiquity – and it is reflected in modern Psychology through Client-Centered, Transpersonal and Positive Psychology theory, research, therapy and practice.
How to Understand Karma From Several Different Viewpoints
Karma can have many associations with it that can cause confusion. Here I will talk about a few different ones that may enlighten you as to what it could mean for you.
Is War Part of Human Nature?
Why does war prevail? Is it because it is in our nature? The following is an attempt to answer this question through a psychological, sociological, evolutionary, political, and neurobiological perspective.
The Causality Dilemma
A philosophical problem also known as the chicken-or-egg quandary.
The Ancient Greek Philosopher Anaximander of Miletus
The ancient Greek scholar named Anaximander was the author of the first surviving passage of Western philosophy. He speculated on the origin of the universe and did fundamental work in the fields of astronomy, geography, biology, and philosophy.
Physics Before Galileo in the 13th Century
Much is made of Galileo's work, but look at some of the surprising origins...
Thales of Miletus: The First Greek Philosopher
The ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus was believed to be the first philosopher of the Western tradition. His work laid the groundwork for the advancement of philosophy and ultimately the development of the sciences.
The Life and Works of the Greek Philosopher and Scientist Aristotle
The ancient Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle touched upon nearly every area of the physical world, from biology to astronomy. In the field of human endeavor, his interests and writing varied from ethics to political science.
Plato's Concept of an Ideal State
This article discusses Plato's concept of the Ideal State and provides a critical analysis of his vision.
Zeno's Paradox: Achilles and the Tortoise
Zeno's paradox tells the story of a race between the Greek hero Achilles and a tortoise but with a surprising twist. Find out more in this quick article.
The Ancient Greek Philosopher Plato: His Life and Works
Plato has been hailed as one of the most dazzling writers in the Western literary tradition and one of the most influential authors in the history of philosophy. In ancient Athens, Plato established the Academy, the first school of higher education in the Western world.
The Life and Times of the Ancient Greek Philosopher Socrates
The ancient philosopher Socrates lived in Athens during the Golden Age of Athens and is credited with laying the philosophical foundations of Western culture. He is known as the “father of Western philosophy” for his contributions. The philosopher Plato was his follower.
What Is Phenomenology and Its Role in Consciousness?
While a challenging field to get into, phenomenology may offer some insights into the mysterious realm of consciousness.
Every Being Is Eternal: On Emanuele Severino’s Philosophy
One of Europe’s great philosophers died in 2020. His views on the eternity of all aspects of reality, deeply at odds with the prevailing zeitgeist yet vitally relevant and uplifting in our age of discontent, remain largely and undeservedly unexplored in English-speaking countries
The Philosophy and Life of Lucretius
This article will take a look at the life of Lucretius, the influential Roman philosopher-poet. He was the writer of the classic work "De Rerum Natura," an Epicurean masterpiece.
Philosophy and the Problem of Knowledge
Plato advises us that knowledge is different from true belief. Not all that we know is knowledge. Most of what we know may actually be beliefs or collected ideas that are unverifiable or invalid perceptions.
Philosophy and the Problem of Existence
In Aristotle’s words, "whether we like it or not we have to philosophize. Even if we don’t want to philosophize, we are still philosophizing. Either way, philosophy exists." In this article, we'll take a look at the problem of existence in philosophy.
Lucretius: On the Nature of Things
A look at Lucretius' masterwork "On the Nature of Things" (De Rerum Natura). A philosophical poem.
Epicurus on Death and Contentment
Epicurus has some interesting things to say on death. We'll look into Ataraxia and Aponia, terms often used in ancient Greek philosophy and in Epicureanism.
If Materialism Is False, Is Panpsychism a Viable Alternative?
Panpsychism, the view that mind is a fundamental component of all reality, is being granted renewed consideration in light of the persisting inability of materialism to account for the emergence of mind from matter.
Epicurean Hedonism Vs. Modern Hedonism
Here we'll have a look at Epicurean Hedonism, it's not about indulging in all your desires, but a balanced life of simple, moderated pleasures.
The Principal Doctrines of Epicurus
After a biography and a general epicurean worldview, we'll now dive into the Principal Doctrines of Epicurus.
The Epicurean Worldview
The Epicurean worldview is build on a materialistic metaphysics. We'll see an ethics of pleasure rooted in materialism, the practice of limiting desires and eliminating the fear of death.
The Life of Epicurus
The life of the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus. The often misunderstood exponent of hedonism. Life's pleasures and joy can be easily attained by those with basic wants and limited desires.
Philosophy of Kingship
This article explores the centuries of dialogic perspectives on Kingship from Plato, Aristotle, and Rushid to Bossuet, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Brandon Riederer is an Adjunct Instructor of English at Bryant & Stratton College. He has a M.A. in English from National University.
The Idea of the Way in History and Modernity
The idea of the Way is seemingly universal in world religions. What does that say about our religions' histories, and more importantly, the Way itself?
The Danger of Emotional Control
Life is impossible without emotion. It allows us to express and helps us to enjoy the good times and cope with the bad times, but when our emotions are controlled, expression, psychology, and real healing are thrown out the window. It is a danger, because it prevents reflection and empathy.
Circular Reasoning Has Ruined Discussion
Circular reasoning is a logical fallacy that starts and ends with the same thing. Religious and political groups use this strategy frequently, and no one walks away with a better understanding. It is simply a means of shutting down conversation and lacks a desire to truly prove anything.
The Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and Wallace Black Elk
Many skeptics believe spirituality is merely based on imagination. They fail to realize that spirituality at its deepest and most useful level is based on science. The differences between religions arise out of the lack of understanding the differing metaphors used by each religion.
Blanket Judgment Will Forever Be Wrong
Blanket judgment and stereotyping lead to poor, unhealthy, and even untrue views of the world around us. The way we see other races, sexes, cultures, and religions is influenced heavily by these awful judgments, and we need to put an end to this horrible way of thinking.
The Danger of Thought Control
How many of your thoughts are your own? Religion, culture, and politics play a strong role in the controlling of your thoughts. It's a danger, because it prevents you from truly being free.
Is Materialism False?
The persistent inability of materialism to account satisfactorily for origin, nature and role of mind and consciousness in nature suggests that this view of the world may be wrong.
Materialism Is the Dominant View—Why?
Materialism is the ontology adopted by a majority of intellectuals, for a number of reasons. Analyzing them can help one decide whether they are compelling enough to justify materialism's exalted position.
The Philosophy of Absurdism
While interpretations of absurdism are diverse, the fundamental concepts attributed with the discipline make you think. This article offers a detailed perspective on the philosophy of Absurdism.
A Guide to Stoicism
The ancient philosophy of forbearance in the face of adversity might be a salve that helps us deal with our topsy-turvy world.
The Philosophical Debate of Free Will
Philosophers over the centuries have debated on the concept of whether we have free will or not and fall into one of three categories of determinism, libertarianism, or compatibilism to argue their position whether we have free will or free action or none at all.
Here's How Science Fiction Is Determining Our Future
Sci-fI has the power to act as a technological lighthouse, illuminating the rocky waters we must avoid – these being the bleak futures depicted in movies. In this, I see Sci-fi as having an entrenched sense of hope hidden behind this pessimism and it is this hope that can stimulate change.
Three Notes on Christianity
Christianity is the most widely practiced religion of Western culture, while Hinduism holds that position in Eastern culture. Judaism and Islam are the major religions of the Middle East.
A Universal Truth: Desire in Buddhism, Taoism and Stoicism
Desire has long been the downfall of many a good man. How did the wise men of old tackle it to achieve fulfillment?
Book Review: 'Rick and Morty and Philosophy'
"Rick and Morty and Philosophy" is an installment in the deep "and Philosophy" series of books. What can you get out of this book mining an Adult Swim cartoon for wisdom?
Is Science Becoming a New Faith?
This article evaluates the objectivity of the scientific claims
Deception: An Ethical Inquiry
Deception is one of if not the most prevalent tool for maneuvering throughout society. Deception comes in a plethora of forms but is commonly looked down upon as immoral. We should never lie or deceive at all says philosophers like Kant, but I think deception is as a tool is not inherently immoral.
Dispensationalism: Progressive Dispensationalism
in this article we will look at the next step in Dispensational thought. Progressive Dispensational seeks to respond to the critics.
Is Immortality or the Afterlife Desirable?
To most people, the idea of an eternal afterlife in paradise seems incredibly alluring. Who wouldn't want to live forever in bliss? Well, it turns out there are some compelling arguments for why an eternal afterlife, usually the Christian heaven, is not so appealing.
Contemporary Views on the Definition of Human
Ways contemporary artists and/or designers challenge the ways that we define and categorize humans